Learning As I Go!

I love to travel. During our Christmas Break ’09 travels, I faced these challenges. We were in four states, at six homes (counting Bonnie and Drake’s and the Walton’s), in three times zones in two weeks time and then back to my home. It could be confusing and amusing!

Adjusting from gas (mine) to electric (Kara’s) back to gas (Kathryne and Krista) stoves was interesting—and finding right dial for the right burner important. The microwaves start, stop, time setting things all seemed to vary. I worked at learning or remembering the how-to’s on washers and dryers, kitchen faucets (I did finally find the spray attachment on Krista’s new one without asking), and whether to jiggle the handle in which bathroom in whose house. Then there’s the dishwasher—there’s the learning the dials thing and the how-to on loading. Maybe I should just insist that my kids all get the same brand and model of appliances! I could just stay out of the kitchen and laundry room, but then I’d miss out on the fun. By the time I got back to my house, I had to retrain my fingers.

The kids find it amusing that Kerbe and I like their pets so much but did never had pets when they were at home. I plan to have a dog someday when I can no longer travel. I’ve gained experienced in pet care on my travels. I worked at learning feeding schedules, not to throw away the cup used to get Henery’s water, how the in-and-out the door works for each dog, and what to do with the special treats. The command for sit varies from house to house. We had some confused dogs when Grandma tried to give them commands! Lily retrieves shoes and loves to retrieve items from our bedroom. Thus the bedroom door must remain closed—or at least suitcases up and in the middle of the bed. Henery doesn’t care about those things, but we are on squirrel alert because he loves to go out to chase the squirrels. (I even think of him when I see them in my yard!) Krista’s cats always come to explore our room, and we try to keep the door shut to keep them out because of Kerbe’s allergies. ( Katelyn and Daniel knew that and warned me about it when I was in Searcy in October. But I let their cats in anyway and had some company during the nights I was there.) Tessa loves to share a snuggle blanket.

The grown children, kids, and pets seem to handle the visitors so I count myself blessed.